The Insiders: Robots, firefighters and caterpillars – not a bad Friday night

We don’t know about you, but this winter thing is getting pretty old. Pretty old indeed. There always has to be that storm that painstakingly brings us back to reality after a few warm days. But our prediction – no more storms this year. If we’re wrong, we’ll give you a copy of the Insider for free. Or you can just pick one up because they’re free anyway.

So in an effort to speed up the return of spring, we all need to get out there and do some stuff. Some cool stuff.

Unfortunately, unless you’re between 13 and 19 years old, this event tonight is not for you. But if you fit into that age group, the McAuliffe-Discovery Center is the place to be. Because for one night only, its home to the VEX Robotics Challenge Teen Night. (Think of that last sentence being said in the monster truck rally announcer’s voice.)

It’s the place to learn about VEX Robotics and the Gateway Challenge with hands-on experience driving robots and competing in fun challenges. It’s all for just $9 and that includes pizza and soda. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the robot extravaganza begins at 7 p.m.

Tonight is also the time to learn a little bit more about the Concord Fire Department with its annual recognition ceremony at the Audi. Awards will be given to community members who acted bravely in difficult situations, for the Fire Fighter of the Year and more. Door open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception and the ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m.

It’s also the opening night of the Junior Service League’s “Cinderella Caterpillar,” a savvy spoof in the form of a play, at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s School. The cost is $5 and proceeds will provide back-to-school clothing and supplies to students in Concord.